How to Select an Alliance?

Before you start looking, consider what you want out of an alliance:

• Casual vs. Competitive: Do you play daily for a few hours and want to push leaderboards, or are you more of a casual player who logs in when you can?

• PvP vs. PvE: Are you interested in player-vs-player combat and territory control, or do you prefer focusing on player-vs-environment (PvE) content like armadas and missions?

• Social vs. Independent: Do you want a chatty, highly social alliance with active Discord, or are you more independent and prefer to play largely on your own, just utilizing alliance benefits?

• Growth-focused vs. Established: Are you a newer player looking for guidance and resources to grow, or are you a high-level player seeking a top-tier alliance for advanced content?

• Time Zone: Is it important that your alliance members are active during your preferred playtimes?

• In-Game Galaxy Chat (GC):

• Observe: Pay attention to the alliance tags of players who are regularly chatting. This can give you an idea of active alliances.

• Ask: Don't be afraid to post in GC that you're looking for an alliance and state your playstyle preferences. Active alliances often have recruitment officers monitoring chat.

• Server Discord:

• Most STFC servers have their own Discord channels. This is often the best place to find a good fit as you can:

• Gauge Culture: Observe how different alliances interact, their level of activity, and their general demeanor.

• Ask Questions: Directly ask alliances about their rules, expectations, and playstyle.

• Get Recommendations: Higher-level players or alliance recruitment officers can often recommend alliances that might suit you.

• Alliance Leaderboards (ALB):

• Look at alliances that consistently perform well in events that emphasize activity rather than just spending.

• Contact the commodores or recruitment officers of alliances that "punch above their weight" (finish higher than their power level might suggest).

• In-Game Alliance Listings:

• When Browse alliances in-game, check their descriptions for any stated level restrictions or recruitment criteria. Message the recruitment commodore if listed.

When evaluating potential alliances, ask about the following to ensure a good fit:

• Activity Level:

• How active are they? Do they have members who haven't logged on in days without a reason? 

• What are their participation requirements for daily events, Alliance Tournaments, and other activities? 

• Do they have a good "help" button culture (where members help each other with timers)?

• PvP vs. PvE Focus:

• Are they primarily a PvP alliance (frequent wars, raids, territory capture)?

• Are they more focused on PvE content, mining, and cooperative play? 

• Do they have a server "Rules of Engagement" (ROE) and do they adhere to it? This is crucial for understanding PvP expectations.

• Territory Control (TC):

• Do they own territory? Territory provides valuable benefits and indicates a more organized, active alliance.

• Are they actively participating in Territory Takeovers?

• Communication:

• Do they use Discord or another external communication platform? Good communication is vital for coordination and community.

• Is their chat active and helpful?

• Member Levels and Support:

• Do they have a mix of player levels, including higher-level players who can offer advice and help newer members grow?

• Do they rotate newer players into Armadas or help with resources?

• Culture:

• Do the members seem friendly and supportive? 

• Is there a lot of drama or conflict in their chat?

• Are they open about their rules and expectations?

• Merger Potential (for smaller alliances):

• If you're in a smaller alliance, consider if a merger with a larger, active one would be beneficial.

• It's not a "marriage". If an alliance isn't a good fit after joining, don't hesitate to leave and find one that better suits your needs. Communication is key – let them know why you're leaving if you feel comfortable.

• You might need to "tour" a few alliances to find the right culture.

How to Leave an Alliance 

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/startrekfleetcommand/comments/141su9z/finding_an_alliance/

[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/startrekfleetcommand/comments/wth8is/how_to_find_good_alliance/

[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/startrekfleetcommand/comments/117zn16/how_to_find_active_alliances/

[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/startrekfleetcommand/comments/1600in0/guide_or_etiquette_for_running_an_alliance/